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Contact Dermatitis

NICE CKS Dermatitis - contact. Last revised: Jan 2024.

Guidelines

Gold standard: skin patch testing

Note that skin patch testing is for contact dermatitis and skin prick test is for IgE-mediated allergies.

1st line:

Avoid the stimulus if causative agent has been identified (most important)
- 8-12 weeks of avoidance maybe needed before clinical improvement
- If complete avoidance not possible: advise on measures to prevent or minimise contact with affected skin
Use liberal emollient and soap substitutes to maintain skin hydration and improve barrier repair

2nd line: consider topical corticosteroids

If contact dermatitis is confirmed to be associated with occupation:

The employer is legally obliged to assess health risks at work and prevent (or if this is not reasonably practicable) adequately control exposure to hazards (for example by change of duties or suitable personal protective measures).

The employer has a legal duty to report a case of the disease to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE)

References

NICE CKS Dermatitis - contact

Author: Adams Lau
Reviewer:
Last edited: 14/07/25

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